Vascular Grafting

Vascular grafting is a specialized surgical procedure offered at Hand to Shoulder Associates (HSA) to address complex vascular issues in the upper extremities. This advanced technique involves using artificial or natural grafts to bypass damaged or blocked blood vessels, restoring proper blood flow and preserving the health of the surrounding tissues.

Expertise in advanced vascular grafting

At HSA, our team of skilled surgeons brings extensive experience and expertise in vascular grafting. Each surgeon is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and holds additional sub-specialization training in microvascular surgery, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in vascular reconstruction.

When is vascular grafting necessary?

Vascular grafting is a versatile procedure that offers effective solutions for various vascular conditions affecting the upper extremities. Some common conditions that may benefit from vascular grafting include:

Arterial Occlusion: Vascular grafting bypasses blocked or narrowed arteries, enabling adequate blood flow to the tissues and preventing further damage.
Venous Insufficiency: Vascular grafts can repair or replace damaged veins, improving venous drainage and reducing complications like swelling and clot formation.
Aneurysms: In vascular aneurysms, grafts can reinforce or repair weakened blood vessel walls, preventing the risk of rupture and related complications.
Traumatic Injuries: Vascular grafting may address severe injuries that involve significant damage to blood vessels, nerves, and surrounding tissues.

What is the procedure?

The procedure for vascular grafting is performed with meticulous precision and attention to detail by our board-certified specialists at HSA. The process involves a set of steps:

Preoperative Assessment

Before the procedure, a thorough preoperative assessment is conducted to evaluate the patient's vascular condition, overall health, and suitability for vascular grafting. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, angiography, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to assess the extent of the vascular issue and plan the surgical approach.

Anesthesia

The patient is administered anesthesia to ensure comfort and pain relief during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used (general or regional) will be discussed with the patient beforehand, depending on the specific case and patient preferences.

Incision

The surgeon makes a precise incision at the site of the vascular issue to gain access to the affected blood vessel. The incision's size and location depend on the vascular condition's complexity and the type of graft to be used.

Graft Placement

The chosen graft material, synthetic or taken from the patient's own body (autograft), is carefully positioned to create a bypass around the blocked or damaged blood vessel. The graft is securely sewn in place, ensuring a durable and stable connection.

Blood Flow Restoration

Once the graft is in place, the surgeon ensures that the blood flow is restored by carefully reattaching the blood vessels and securing proper circulation through the graft.

Closure

After successfully restoring blood flow, the incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and the surgical site is dressed and bandaged.

Postoperative Care

Following the procedure, you will be closely monitored by our medical team to ensure a smooth recovery. Pain management, wound care, and physical therapy may be part of the postoperative care plan to aid healing and rehabilitation.

At HSA, our surgeons tailor each vascular grafting procedure to the individual needs and circumstances of the patient, aiming for the best possible outcomes in restoring blood flow and promoting overall upper extremity health.

Patient-centered care at HSA

At HSA, we are committed to providing patient-centered care. That’s why we offer same-day appointments with our specialists, not mid-level medical providers. During this appointment, we will thoroughly assess your condition, discuss all available treatment options, and create a personalized treatment plan.

Choosing HSA for vascular grafting ensures you receive the highest care from experienced and skilled surgeons. Our commitment to utilizing the latest surgical techniques ensures optimal outcomes for vascular health and the overall function of your upper extremities.